Canal Court Set to Become Completely Residential

Council planners approve conversion from offices for High Street block

Canal Court on Brentford High Street. Picture: LoopNet

August 21, 2026

The final piece of Canal Court’s transition from offices to flats has now been approved, with Unit 3 receiving prior approval for conversion to six residential flats. The decision, issued by Hounslow Council under permitted development rules follows earlier approvals granted in February for Units 1 and 2. Together, those two units contain 15 flats, meaning the entire building by Brentford Bridge could soon provide 21 homes once Unit 3 is completed.

Canal Court, an L-shaped mixed-use block on Brentford High Street, has been steadily moving towards full residential use over several years. The latest application, submitted by Eastfield Investments Ltd, sought permission to convert the ground, first and second floors of Unit 3 from Class E office space to six Class C3 dwellings.

The site sits in a prominent position on the western edge of Brentford town centre, within the Grand Union Canal & Boston Manor Conservation Area. Although the building is modern and not considered to contribute positively to the conservation area, the conversion involves no external alterations, meaning its impact on local character is neutral. The council concluded that the change of use would preserve the conservation area’s appearance.

A series of technical assessments accompanied the application, covering transport, noise, flooding, contamination and natural light. The council found that transport impacts would be acceptable, with safe access retained and parking reduced in line with London Plan standards. Unit 3 will have three parking spaces, including one disabled bay, and future residents will be restricted from obtaining on-street parking permits. Cycle parking will be upgraded, with long-stay spaces provided in the basement and short-stay stands on the High Street.

Noise impacts were also assessed, particularly given the proximity of the Six Bells pub and light industrial uses along The Ham. A Noise Impact Assessment concluded that the impact on future residents would be low.

The council also confirmed that all habitable rooms would receive adequate natural light, with the daylight assessment showing compliance with BRE guidelines.

With all matters satisfactorily addressed, the council granted prior approval subject to conditions covering construction logistics, parking management, waste storage, servicing arrangements and flood evacuation procedures. The development must be completed within three years.